Early scans and high BMI

[lilydaisyrose]

Hello,

I am around 7w pregnant & considering an early private scan at around 9.5 weeks. Is an early scan at 9-10 weeks usually done internally or externally please? And if you have a high BMI (mine is over 40), does this make a difference to how the scan is done - i.e. internally/externally?

Any info/advice appreciated. Many thanks

[eurochick]

I had a complicated first tri and several early scans. Up to 10 weeks they were all internal. I'm slim btw.

[ItsLikeRainOnYourWeddingDay]

Definitely internal upto about ten weeks. Keep in mind for twelve week NHS scan it has to be done externally. With your BMI do you have a lot of fat right above pubic line because that is how low down they scan. My BMI was 31 but I carry most of my weight on my tummy and the lady said it was quite a difficult scan.

[seven201]

It depends on where you go for the scan. You would need to mention your bmi when you book to check they'll do it internally (better view!) as some places don't.

[lilydaisyrose]

Thanks everyone. This my DC3, so I do have scan experience, but its a fair few years since I was last scanned. I'm much more anxious this time round as I miscarried late last year, so was considering a private scan for reassurance. I will do some more pondering!

[bippitybopityboo]

Everyone is different and it also depends on your sonographer too. I think with earlier scans they may try an abdominal scan then internal if it's not good enough, alot of private places don't do internal scans though. My bmi is well over 40 and my 12 and 20 week scans were fantastic. The lady who did my scan said it CAN make scanning more difficult however she has had difficulty scanning the slimmest people too! Congratulations and good luck with your pregnancy!

[lilydaisyrose]

Thanks bippity, that's really helped. I carry a lot of my weight round my tummy. I will kèp thinking about what to do...its right across the road from my work so I am really really tempted. Really really can't afford it, but so tempted...

[KayTee87]

I had an external scan at 8.5 weeks so they're not all internal up until 10 weeks... A sonographer will attempt external first and if that doesn't work will suggest internal. They won't be able to tell you over the phone which it will be just by knowing your bmi (weight doesn't always equal fat on tummy) - however apparently excess fat on tummy can make scans more difficult.

[YouAndMeAreGoingToFallOut]

I had a private scan at about 8 weeks - my BMI was 38 and I am definitely fat around the middle! An external scan was fine. No issues with 12 or 20 week scans either. I did have about five internal scans between 16 and 20 weeks though because of issues with cervical shortening, and they aren't something to worry about!

[leotwist]

Having had both external & internal, I'd opt for the latter, despite being pretty body shy. My BMI is high & I carry a fair bit round my middle so I always feel a bit of a failure when they try external and then have to resort to internal, cos I so chubby! Have had to battle for internal on NHS tho'; it's not often offered as standard. Pricey tho private can be, I've found it's generally worth it. For me, it's tended to be a much calmer, more dignified & customer-service centered. Best of luck.

[Northernlight22]

I've had numerous internal and external scans before 12 weeks. The internal ones are clearer but to be honest there wasn't a great difference between the 2 types at 10 weeks, made a bigger difference at 7/8 weeks.